Adjust Your Strategy to Accommodate Laws in Spain

Regulation for online gambling is changing in Europe. Many countries are now demanding that online casino operators apply for a local license in order to continue providing igaming for the local residents. This means that the previous order (where an online gambling operator could obtain an offshore license with jurisdictions like Gibraltar, Malta and Alderney) is now challenged. The new igaming law in Spain has been in force since May 28, 2011, but the effects of it are still not completely evident since Spanish egaming providers are given time to adjust and apply for the licenses necessary to offer the igaming in Spain.

Going back to the Stone Age

When the new igaming laws in Spain were first presented many started to speak under their breath of going back to Stone Age methods, creating a gambling monopoly. The truth is that it will not be easy to provide Spanish egaming unless you live up to all of the requirements set out by the new law. A few examples of these are that a gambling provider must, operate through a dot.es site, have at least one representative living in Spain, be a legal entity structured as a Spanish limited company, and be up to date on the legal requirements regarding Spanish tax on gambling. These are just to mention a few, and it is doubtful that smaller international igaming providers will put up with all of these demands.

Spanish slot machine

It is important to understand the new Spanish igaming law also includes advertising, promotion and sponsorship of gambling sites and providers. It is not legal to advertise gambling to Spanish players if the provider of this gambling does not hold a license for it. This means that the affiliate site for Spanish online gaming must be careful not to link on to, or promote illegal gambling providers. The new law is not the same for every field of gaming. Some types of gaming, like Bingo, are outright illegal since they are considered to have addictive effects.

Your Strategy

While this change might seem as a hassle at first glance, it is actually believed that it will eventually lead to clarity and greater ease for gaming providers and players in Spain. Some of the bigger gaming groups offering Spanish igaming have complained about the law, but local competitors welcome it. For the affiliate, it is crucial to follow the development and to make sure to work only with licensed Spanish igaming providers. It might also be advisable to let the players know that your site only links to legal alternatives so that they can relax and enjoy the games.